Garmin computers are consistently some of the best-selling items at Performance Bicycle, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to upgrade or shopping around for your first cycling computer, there’s a Garmin Edge that’s going to help you take your cycling to the next level. If you’re unsure what model is for you, we’ll walk you through the models below.

Garmin Edge 200

The Garmin Edge 200 is the entry-level computer, but don’t let that fool you. Many racers prefer the Edge 200 because of its simplicity, and if you’re looking for your first computer, going with the 200 means you’ll get it right the first time. This device tracks your time, distance, speed, location and calories burned, plus it’ll upload your stats to Garmin’s free website for data analysis, mapping and sharing. It’s like having a personal trainer, cycling computer and GPS in one.

Garmin Edge 500 & 510

The Edge 500 and Edge 510 are more geared toward the performance-driven cyclist. Edge 500/510 computers tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Add an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or compatible power meter for a finely-tuned analysis of your ride. Click here to learn more about the differences between the Edge 500 and 510.

Garmin Edge 800 & 810

And finally the Garmin Edge 800 and Edge 810 are for the cyclist who wants it all. The Edge 800 and Edge 810 are touch screen computers that provide navigation and performance monitoring and are ideal for touring, commuting, competitive cycling or mountain biking. These have a built-in basemap and track your distance, speed, location and ascent/descent. Combine one of these computers with an ANT+ heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or compatible power meter for even more advanced analysis of your ride. Click here to learn more about the differences between the Edge 800 and 810.

If you want to get even more performance out of your Garmin Edge, check out these accessories that can help you maximize your ride.

The Garmin Out Front mount is a big improvement on the stem mount included with the Edge computers, and helps make it easier to view the screen without taking your eyes off the road.

The Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor gives you highly accurate, wireless transmission of your heart rate to the Garmin Edge 500/510 and 800/810 so you can get more out of your riding and training.

The Garmin Speed/Cadence monitors your pedaling cadence as you ride, or lets you track your speed while you’re on the trainer. It’s compatible with the Garmin Edge 500/510 and 800/810.

The Edge 810 and 510 are Garmin’s first dedicated cycling devices with real-time connectivity and combine the most popular aspects of the (office favorite) Edge 800/500 while adding advanced connected features via a smartphone. The new user-friendly interface, along with live tracking, social media sharing and real-time weather updates make them perfect for training, touring and riding on the trail – plus both units are now touch-screen enabled!

New Features:

Get real-time weather conditions, forecasts and alerts (in areas with coverage) directly on the Edge 810 and 510, plus activity profiles that let you customize data fields and device settings based on cycling activity, such as road, mountain or touring. You can even switch profiles with a tap of the screen, so you can get on with your ride quicker. When you complete a ride, Edge 810 and 510 display any new personal records you achieved during that ride. PRs include farthest distance, most ascent gained, fastest 40k and best 20-minute power average.

Edge 810 and 510 offer a suite of connected features when paired with your smartphone (Apple or Android) and the Garmin Connect Mobile app. This setup saves your phone battery because Edge tracks the data and sends it to your phone using a Bluetooth connection. Plus, your phone stays protected in your pocket or pack, but still provides valuable connected features, such as Live Tracking. The LiveTrack feature allows your friends and family to follow your races and training activities in real time. Invite followers using email or social media, so they can view your live data on a Garmin Connect tracking page. Once they get your email invite, they can click to follow and see your stats and location on the map.

Of course social media sharing is built into the DNA of the new Edge 810 and 510 computers – you can share your rides on your social media networks to motivate others and get some kudos for your own efforts. This feature allows you to post an update immediately after your ride or race with a link to your completed activity. You’ll create your posts via your smartphone and the ride data’s already there, thanks to the interface with Garmin Connect Mobile. You can instantly store, share and analyze every detail of your ride — from the road — via wireless uploads of completed rides from your Edge 810 or 510 as soon as you finish recording an activity.

Once a ride has posted to Garmin Connect, their own “connections” can view them within one of the world’s largest online fitness communities. Riders can also search their courses and workouts stored at Garmin Connect, download to their smartphone, then send directly to their Edge device — wirelessly. Cyclists can then navigate to the start of the course and use the Virtual Partner feature on the Edge to follow and even race those previous rides in real-time.

The Edge 810 is the perfect choice for the cyclist who wants the ultimate performance and navigation machine. This new Edge features a sleek 2.6” color display, up to 17-hours of battery life, and a newly redesigned and simplified touchscreen interface. The Edge 810 is compatible with optional detailed street or TOPO maps including BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, so it can guide cyclists for touring, commuting or extended activities where they might need onboard maps and navigation. Because it’s GPS-enabled and its navigation capabilities require no data usage, the Edge 810 is a perfect choice anywhere in the world.

The Edge 510 was designed specifically for performance driven cyclists and is a light-weight (80g) compact option. The 510 features a similar user interface to the 810, boasts a new 2.2” sunlight readable touchscreen display and is compatible with both GPS and GLONASS satellites for faster satellite acquisition and improved signal lock. The 510 is suited for the most challenging conditions, such as canyons and adventures with heavy tree cover. The Edge 510 is rugged, waterproof and has up to a 20-hour battery life. The touchscreen is easy to operate, even with a gloved finger and when wet. It also comes with a tether to ensure the device doesn’t travel far in the event of a spill.

Mounting options include a new out-front mount for heads-up positioning and a standard quarter-turn mount. Check out this video of the Garmin-Sharp pro team putting the new Edge 810 or 510 units through their paces as they get ready for the new pro cycling season.